D-day approaches for Customs Bill

Industry heavyweights will head for parliament on January 28 to argue their case against the promulgation of the new Customs Bill. “We managed to get the bill deferred because of the sticking point on the issue of inland ports,” Pat Corbin of the JCCI, and the most ardent campaigner against the Bill, told FTW. “We’re now rallying our forces to explain the damning impact not only on Johannesburg but on Gaborone and national transit to neighbouring states. What we’re doing is totally different from what’s happening internationally. “We’re working with Saaff and have split up the issues so we will have several representations. We are hoping to overwhelm parliament. But the point is that we should have 100 people queuing up to give evidence.” The new legislation will effectively nullify the benefits of a through bill of lading, requiring clearance at the first port of entry. This means the current benefit of ‘clearance free’ transit movement of manifested containers to inland terminals – via block train – will cease. Corbin believes that the industry has been lulled into a false sense of security, believing that inland ports will not be compromised. “But you won’t be able to transact an inland trading transaction through City Deep – everything will begin and end at the coast.” And this is totally contrary to international trends, says Corbin. “The rest of the world has been promoting inland ports, particularly in Africa, because if you don’t have a gateway you can’t attract investment or business. It’s been identified by Unctad as a vital development tool for landlocked countries.” With the final verdict just weeks away, Corbin believes that if the Bill is passed it will have to be reversed. “We can’t afford any more congestion at our ports.” INSERT & CAPTION We’re now rallying our forces to explain the damning impact not only on Johannesburg but on Gaborone and national transit to neighbouring states. – Pat Corbin